As many car enthusiasts know, automotive trends come and go. Some of these trends, such as ornate fins on the back of sedans or shag interior carpeting, simply go out of style. With others, managing safety risks requires putting a stop to the trend.
In the past few years, carmakers have tried to induce buyers by offering massive infotainment screens. These screens, which may be 12 inches or larger, allow drivers to change radio stations, control vehicle systems and even browse owner’s manuals. Regrettably, this trend may be making you considerably less safe.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving continues to be a deadly problem across the U.S. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving kills approximately nine Americans every single day. Many others suffer catastrophic injuries because drivers are not paying enough attention when they are behind the wheel.
Infotainment systems
Infotainment systems look futuristic and cool. When drivers use them safely, these systems also improve the driving experience. The problem, of course, is that drivers do not always make safe decisions when toggling through infotainment screens.
When drivers pay more attention to what is on their infotainment screens than to the world around them, serious accidents are often imminent. While automakers have taken a few steps to minimize distracted driving, infotainment screens remain a dangerous distraction.
It may only take a few seconds of distracted driving for another motorist to change your life forever. Ultimately, even though you may never fully recover from the injuries you suffer in a collision with a distracted driver, you certainly can try to hold him or her financially responsible for them.